A 61-year-old Norfolk decorator who was stopped by police for drink driving had to be held up by officers as he staggered out of his car, a court heard yesterday.

A 61-year-old Norfolk decorator who was stopped by police for drink driving had to be held up by officers as he staggered out of his car, a court heard yesterday.

Edwards, a self employed decorator from Halt Road, Caister, was banned from driving for three years after he pleaded guilty to being more then twice over the legal drink drive limit on the early morning of March 18.

Yarmouth Magistrates' Court heard that Edwards had been drinking with friends because he was upset after he had visited his wife in hospital.

Fergus Harold, prosecuting, said Edwards was stopped in his Mercedes by police in West Road, Yarmouth after they had seen him reverse into a junction and swerve across the road.

Mr Harold said: “He staggered from his car. A police officer had to hold him to stop him falling to the floor.”

A breath test revealed Edwards had 82 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit being 35.

The court heard Edwards had one previous conviction for drink driving from 1999.

Annette Hall, representing Edwards, said he had drinking as he was worried about his wife's hip replacement and because of the driving ban he would not be able to work. Edwards was also fined �160 and ordered to pay �75 in costs.